‘It was quite humbling’: The moment Roosters-Rabbitohs rivalry was put aside

After sharing a few moments with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday night, Jai Arrow spent time with a very different rugby league powerbroker.

In a departure from the usual state of affairs between the foundation clubs, retiring Rabbitoh Arrow made his way into the opposing sheds. There he mingled with the Roosters players and staff, including Roosters chairman Nick Politis, who became one of Arrow’s main benefactors after learning of his Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis earlier this year.

“We were stranded in LAX a few years ago together, that’s how we first met,” Politis said.

“That was the first and last time until last night.

“I read what happened and I wanted to help him.

“It was very nice that he found his way to our dressing room, it was quite humbling. Robbo [Roosters coach Trent Robinson] and some of the players spent some time with him. It was good to see him.”

Politis helped pay for Arrow to attend a wellness retreat in Spain earlier this year to help with his MND after it emerged the Queensland Origin representative had been forced to medically retire. Politis also made sure the Roosters bought a table for an Arrow fundraiser later this month.

Earlier on Friday night, Arrow brought up his 100th and last game for the Rabbitohs. It was a milestone made possible after the NRL and the players’ association granted Arrow special dispensation to “play” following his diagnosis.

After full-time, Albanese visited the Rabbitohs sheds to acknowledge the milestone man.

“I think there wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” Albanese told this masthead.

“Jai’s courage ... he is an inspiring person. He shows the strength of his character. He came a few weeks ago to Kirribilli House, and I’ve had the opportunity to get to know him.

“I just think the occasion tonight was rugby league at its best. Rugby league is about tribalism, but it’s also about something bigger. It’s about looking after each other. Tonight, whether they were Souths supporters, Roosters supporters, or just human beings, it was really uplifting. A great moment.”

A packed house at Allianz Stadium, much like the man of the moment, struggled to contain its emotions. They came for what preceded the match as much as for what occurred during it.

“His character is extraordinary,” Albanese added. “He’s much loved by his teammates and by everyone who comes into contact with him.”

Arrow stepped onto the pitch wearing jersey No.23. He was replaced by his great mate Cody Walker before the game began in earnest, with coach Wayne Bennett holding the interchange card.

“Anytime I’ve handled any of this, it’s with a bit of humour,” Walker said. “He was walking off, flipping me the bird, which made me laugh. Look, emotional scenes. It was hard to put into words what was going through my head at that point in time, given how close we are.

“On the surface, it’s all banter and giving each other a hard time, but deep down, we’ve got a deep care for one another. We have a strong relationship that goes beyond footy, which is nice.

“I know for a fact that on the surface, he’d be burning, giving me raps and things like that, and I’m pretty much the same. It’s actually nice to hear each other talk nicely about one another. He deserves every moment that he’s had this year, given everything that he’s gone through and how he’s dealt with it. It’s been phenomenal - the strength he’s shown and the courage he’s shown.”

Walker said Arrow would be a source of inspiration for the Rabbitohs’ finals campaign.

“I don’t think there’s anyone that has been a current player diagnosed with this sort of cruel disease,” Walker said.

“It’s just really difficult to witness one of your good mates go through that sort of stuff. It’s been a bit of a journey for him, but you can’t fault the guy for how he’s handled everything that’s been thrown in front of him.